Coastal and maritime tourism is one of the largest pillars of the EU Blue Economy. While the sector generates significant economic and social value, it now faces accelerating pressures: climate change, biodiversity degradation, rising environmental impacts, evolving traveler expectations, and the need to align with Europe’s green and digital transition.
At the same time, the EU’s green and digital agenda, along with the Mission Ocean and Marine Spatial Planning frameworks, place tourism at the center of a broader transition toward sustainable, resilient and competitive coastal territories.
Sustainable blue tourism is emerging as a strategic lever for rethinking tourism models, strengthening ecosystem protection, diversifying local economies and aligning the sector with Europe’s long-term climate and ocean ambitions.
Join this dynamic 2-hour capacity building to:
- Learn about the latest state of play of sustainable blue tourism
- Get to know regional and international initiatives driving transformation
- Explore cross-sector synergies with other blue economy industries
- Highlight quick-win solutions for rapid implementation
- Introduce digital tools and smart technologies enabling sustainable tourism practices
Through inspiring stories, cutting-edge tools, and actionable insights, participants will discover how technology can enhance productivity, protect marine ecosystems, and empower coastal communities. A must-attend session for anyone passionate about the blue economy and the digital transition of our seas.
See below the agenda and access registration. Speakers and more details are coming soon!
PROGRAMME:
PART 1 — State of play: challenges & opportunities
This opening session will provide an overview of current trends, pressures, and strategic needs in the tourism sector. It will explore environmental impacts, governance gaps, visitor pressure, resource consumption, and opportunities for diversification, while recalling the growing importance of tourism within EU maritime and ocean policies.
PART 2 — Regional & International Initiatives Shaping Blue Tourism
This session highlights major initiatives advancing sustainable coastal and maritime tourism across regions. It focuses on shared governance approaches, policy recommendations, pilot actions, and knowledge exchange platforms.
PART 3 — Cross-Sector Synergies in the Blue Economy
Tourism increasingly intersects with fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, conservation, and maritime culture. This session presents concrete dual models demonstrating how sustainable tourism can diversify income, strengthen local resilience, and build social acceptance around blue industries.
PART 4 — Quick-Win Actions for Destinations & Operators
A practical session showcasing ready-to-implement solutions for hotels, municipalities, DMOs, and tourism operators. These actions require limited investment but generate immediate environmental and social benefits.
PART 5 — Smart Blue Tourism: Technology & Digital Tools
Digitalisation and smart technologies are reshaping tourism through improved monitoring, eco-navigation, visitor management, and safety at sea. This session demonstrates how data-driven solutions can reduce environmental impacts and support more informed decision-making.
Q&A
A facilitated session where participants can exchange with speakers, share regional experiences and identify areas for collaboration.
Q&A and Closing Discussion (15-20 min)
A facilitated session where participants can exchange with speakers, share regional experiences and identify areas for collaboration.
Sustainable blue tourism stands at a pivotal moment. With increasing environmental pressures and growing policy ambition, the tourism sector must evolve toward models that support climate goals, biodiversity recovery, and inclusive local development.
By connecting governance, industry, technology, and community action, this workshop will contribute to a shared vision for a resilient, competitive, and sustainability-driven blue tourism sector.